July 24, 2018

With the start of school just a few short weeks away, parents begin to evaluate after-school programming for their children during the 2:10 to 5:30 p.m. timeframe - the hours that children are released from school and parents get out of work.

Effective after-school programs bring a wide range of benefits to youth, families and communities. After-school programs can boost academic performance, reduce risky behaviors, promote physical health and provide a safe structured environment for the children of working parents.

New this year, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva will provide partial financial assistance to families whose children attend after-school programming at the Sanibel Recreation Center. Falling under the Youth Scholarship Program, the opportunity has been made available, in part, through a partnership with the rec center, donations from donors and grant funding from the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Foundation.

"Our goal is to help build economic security for families by giving children the opportunity to experience quality care during the after-school hours, when their parent is still at work," F.I.S.H. Program Director Kathy Y. Monroe said. "The rec after-school program keeps kids safe and introduces them to new friends and activities. Children are placed in age-appropriate groups and take part in a daily rotation of activities that include, but is not limited to, homework time, arts and crafts, physical fitness activities and much more."

The intention of the program is that no child is deprived of quality after-school care due to financial struggles.

Based on need and eligibility, scholarships will be offered to families as determined by F.I.S.H. social worker Nitza Lopez. Those wishing to participate must seek financial assistance through the rec center prior to applying with F.I.S.H. Scholarship assistance is evaluated on a case by case basis. The F.I.S.H. Social Services Department determines eligibility for need-based financial assistance through a review of a family's income and expense documentation.

Article Map

Scholarship amounts vary depending upon the family's financial status. Available funding is limited, and scholarships will cover only a portion of the program cost.